William Joseph Sullivan's Obituary
WILLIAM JOSEPH SULLIVAN, “Bill” and “Poppy” to his family and friends, died on Friday, May 12, 2023, at the age of 85. Bill was a long-time resident of Palisades, NY. At the time of his death he was living in Ashburn, VA. As a lifelong, diehard New Yorker, he reluctantly moved there to be close to his children in 2020.
Bill is survived by his wife of 55 years, Christine Sullivan (née Healy); his children, Gerard Sullivan (Sally) and Patricia Rambin (Mitch), five grandchildren and one great grandchild. He is also survived by three brothers, Timothy Sullivan, Donald Sullivan (Linda), and Richard Sullivan (Alice).
Bill was born January 9, 1938, in The Bronx, New York to Timothy Sullivan and Dorothy Sullivan (née Sheldrick) He was a graduate of All Hallows High School in 1955 and joined the New York City Police Department in 1961. His 23-year career with the NYPD was filled with many memorable moments, and as a member of the NYPD Bomb Squad, his family and friends never knew when he might appear on the evening news, or the front page of a local newspaper, attempting to defuse a dangerous device. Bill retired from the NYPD in 1984 as a Detective, 2nd Grade with fond memories and lifelong friends that he was close with until his passing. His second career was as a Manager of Security Services at Consolidated Edison where he finally retired for good in 1998. Bill was a proud member of the Sparkill Palisades Fire Department for over 45 years, where he served as its commissioner.
Bill was a storyteller who at gatherings would often entertain with tales from his life and many experiences. Bill enjoyed spending time involved in his children’s activities while they were growing up. He could always be found coaching a youth sports team or later, up in the press box filming a high school football game. Many summers were spent camping with the family around the Lake George area of NY, and most Saturdays during the fall were reserved for his favorite activity, tailgating at West Point and watching the Army Football Team.
Bill was a great husband, father, brother, friend, and mentor to many, and his ability to crack a joke at any time will be missed.
A Catholic funeral mass will be held on June 22, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in Tappan, New York.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating in Bill’s honor to Saint Jude Children’s Hospital.
Service information and online condolences can be found on www.loudounfuneralchapel.com
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